The first of four supermoons expected this year was visible across Greece on Monday, August 19.
Known as the Blue Moon, they usually occur about every two or three years.
The moon has also been called the green corn moon, the grain moon, and the red moon for the reddish colour it often takes on in the summer haze.
Full moon spotted near the famous Acropolis in Athens, Greece. Photo: Protothema.
During a supermoon, the moon appears up to 14 per cent bigger and 30 per cent brighter compared with when it is furthest away.
In Greece, more than a hundred archaeological sites, historical sites, museums and monuments welcomed the public under the moonlight to mark the August full moon.
Events took place at over fifty archaeological sites and museums, while many remained open to the public with free admission.
Sydney’s Greek community has celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Athens Olympics opening ceremony on Sunday, August 18.
The positive reception of the night proved memories of the opening ceremony have remained vivid and emotional in the hearts of many Greek Australians.
A modest yet significant event took place in the hall of AHEPA NSW in Rockdale, Sydney. The purpose was to honour Athens and the highly successful organisation of the 2004 Olympic and Paralympic Games, marking 20 years since these historic moments for Greece.
It is worth recalling that on August 13, 2004, Greece set the bar extremely high and showcased history across the globe by exhibiting Olympic and Greek ideals, Olympic ethics, noble competition and sportsmanship.
The hall was filled with Greek community leaders and special guests including the First Secretary for Public Diplomacy of Greece in Australia at the Consulate General of Greece in Sydney, Anastasia Christofilopoulou; President of the Athenian Association of NSW, Cathy Valis; and Secretary of the Greek Australian Teachers’ Association of NSW, Haroula Themistocleous.
AHEPA NSW Secretary Dr Panagiotis Diamantis welcomed and thanked the guests and other attendees for their presence.
Dr Diamantis emphasised that Athens provided a lesson in ethics with the perfect organisation of the 2004 Olympic Games – an organisation that “surprised everyone despite the negative atmosphere that had preceded it.”
Greetings were given by Nia Gitsa, representing AHEPA NSW President Jim Papanayiotou, and Nikos Grigorakos from the AHEPA NSW Cafe. Both speakers thanked the organisers of the event, specifically Dimitrios Kametopoulos for proposing this commemorative event marking 20 years since the Greek Olympics.
“When Greeks around the world are united, they can perform miracles, and the Olympics and Paralympics were clear proof of that!” Ms Gitsa said.
Olympic and Paralympic volunteer from Athens 2004 and Special Olympics volunteer from Athens 2011, Mr Kametopoulos, wearing the special volunteer uniform from 2004, was invited to present the remainder of the programme.
Mr Kametopoulos shared his personal story of determination, as a Greek expatriate from Australia, to contribute to the significant challenge and endeavour of Athens, recounting his memories with considerable emotion.
Emotions ran high as Olympic volunteers shared their experiences and memories of the 2004 spectacle. All photos supplied to The Greek Herald.
He also recalled his appointment as the team leader for Australia at the Special Olympics in Athens in June 2011 with “great joy.” In his closing remarks, Mr Kametopoulos thanked “heartfelt, wholeheartedly, and warmly,” the AHEPA NSW board for accepting his proposal and the Greek-language media in Australia – both radio and print – for their support of the event. He also made special mention of Ms Valis, who held the commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the Athens Games at the Cyprus Community Club in Stanmore in August 2014.
The event also featured emotional speeches from Greek Australian volunteers Paraskevi Paranomou and Paraskevi Skorda, who also wore their uniforms.
Ms Skorda, who was quite young in 2004, teared up while talking about her experiences as the pair recalled the unforgettable Olympic Stadium, their duties controlling venue entry points and the Games’ spectacle.
Other Olympics volunteers present at the event included Fotini Gouma and Dionysios Markou.
A clip from the magical opening ceremony was shown on the large screen in the hall. The clip focused on the connection between the Olympic Stadium and ancient Olympia and showcased Greece’s long history from the Minoan era, the golden age of Athens, the Hellenistic period of Alexander the Great, the Byzantine era, the modern Greek Revolution of 1821 and the era of Greek rebetiko music and tavernas.
Various exhibits from the Olympics and Paralympics were on display, including the beloved mascots Phobos and Athena, as well as the seahorse Proteas from the Paralympics, cards, books, photos, Olympic pins, flags, maps showing the global torch relay of 2004 and bundles of tickets for Olympic events.
The evening concluded with a lavish reception hosted by AHEPA NSW members for all attendees.
One thing is certain: the spirit and lessons from the 2004 Olympics will forever remain in the memories and hearts of fans and particularly of Greek volunteers.
Pontoxeniteas NSW celebrated Panagia Soumela on Sunday, August 18 by holding a paniyiri at the Pontian House in Earlwood.
A Divine Liturgy was first held on Sunday morning at The Transfiguration of our Lord – Greek Orthodox Church in Earlwood presided over by parish priest Father Sotiris.
There was a procession of the icon of Panagia Soumela through the church, followed by a march down Homer Street to the Pontian House. This was the first time the Pontoxeniteas NSW committee decorated the icon by themselves with beautiful flowers. They were guided by Laki Zikos.
Once inside the building, people enjoyed morning tea and had the opportunity to pay their respects to Panagia Soumela.
With a BBQ cooking and the youth playing live Pontian music, the dance floor flooded with multiple generations. In attendance were State Member for Canterbury Sophie Cotsis MP and Canterbury-Bankstown Councillor Clare Raffan, who joined in on the dancing festivities.
Four generations of Pontians gathered on Saturday, August 17 to celebrate the 60-year history of the Pontian Society of Sydney Panagia Soumela.
Celebrations started at 7.30pm at the Society’s hall in Hurlstone Park. Members and friends of Panagia Soumela Sydney mingled, shared memories, and enjoyed a delicious dinner served by Gina’s Catering.
President of Panagia Soumela Sydney, Hellene Flampoulidou Flame kick started official proceedings by inviting the Society’s dance groups to perform alongside talented Pontian musicians Eric Fotiadis and Chris Klazidis.
All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
The performance drew loud applause and had everyone on their feet, with parents and grandparents joining their children and grandchildren on the dance floor for some traditional Pontian dancing.
Young and old danced together.Musicians.
Speeches were then given by former President of Panagia Soumela Sydney, Peter Papoulidis representing the President of the Pontian Federation of Australia, Esta Paschalidis-Chilas, and Ms Flame.
In her speech, Ms Flame spoke about the history of Panagia Soumela Sydney.
Hellene Flampoulidou Flame.Peter Papoulidis.
She said a dream to forge the first Pontian society in Sydney was born in 1956 thanks to a few young immigrant men travelling from house to house gathering support. In 1964, their dedication culminated in the establishment of the Pontian Brotherhood of the Virgin Soumela, now known as the Pontian Society of Sydney Panagia Soumela.
“For the first and second generations of immigrants—our parents and grandparents—cultural associations were lifelines helping them navigate the new world while holding onto their identity,” the President said.
“And today, as we stand here as third, fourth, and fifth generations, these associations still remain vital because they create a space for us to belong, to share our stories, and to keep our traditions alive in this rapidly changing world.”
Founding members and former Presidents were then called up to the front to receive gifts as a form of appreciation for all their hard work and dedication to the Society. Present on the night were Kalistrato Kilazoglou (Founder – member for 60 years), Panteli Tsipidi (former President – member for 55 years), and Harry Tsipidi (Treasurer – member for 55 years).
The official proceedings ended with the current Executive Committee and past Presidents gathering together to cut a cake in celebration of the Society’s 60th anniversary.
“Please all raise your glasses! Here’s to many more years of unity, culture, and tradition!” Ms Flame exclaimed.
Executive Committee of Panagia Soumela Sydney.Musicians on the night.
Attendees enjoyed the rest of night, dancing to live music by Pontian musicians Adam Neou and Prodromos Moysiadis, as well as Modern Greek band Sam Christodoulides and Thanasis Pylarinos.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
The winners of the Kennedy Awards for Outstanding Journalism were revealed at the Kennedy Foundations Annual Gala Awards held in the ballroom of the Royal Randwick on August 16.
The Gala was attended by over 400 media and luminaries and hosted by SBS & NITV presenters, Natalie Ahmat and Janice Petersen.
This year the Kennedy Awards received 1,400 entries, smashing last year’s record. Among the selected winners were two Australians of Greek heritage.
Mario Christodoulou won in the Outstanding Podcast category with Stop and Search (Background Briefing, ABC), alongside the rest of the podcast team including Paul Farrell, Benjamin Sveen, Leila Shunnar and Ingrid Wagner.
Outstanding News Photography was awarded to Mick Tsikas for his work Tears for Albo (Australian Associated Press).
Political, multicultural and Greek community leaders bid farewell to one of Sydney’s community trailblazers Jack Passaris OAM on Friday, August 16.
Over 250 family, friends and community leaders came together at the beautiful and iconic Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church at Newtown in Sydney on Friday to bury one of Australia’s leading multicultural trailer blazers that played a major role in advocating for the establishment of SBS, Multicultural Australia and Multicultural NSW many years ago.
Nearly 60 years ago, Jack’s journey from Egypt to Australia, driven by a dream to create a brighter future filled with the warmth and traditions of his homeland played a pivotal role in his community and business activities during his lifetime in Sydney.
Jack’s commitment and passion to support Sydney’s multicultural community over so many years stands as a testament to his commitment to the society we live in today.
The political leaders who paid their respects included the Hon Tony Burke MP, the Federal Immigration & Multicultural Affairs Minister representing the Prime Minister of Australia the Hon Anthony Albanese MP; the Hon Steve Kamper MP, State Minister for Multicultural Affairs & Small Business Minister representing the Premier the Hon Chris Minns MP; the Hon Sophie Cotsis MP, State Minister for Industrial Relations; the Hon Shaoquett Moselmane MLC; former NSW Attorney General and ICAC Commissioner, the Hon John Hatzistergos; and the Hon Leo McLeay, former Speaker of the House of Representatives.
In addition, there were many community leaders from different ethnic groups including leaders from the Australian Egyptian, Chinese, Armenian and Lebanese communities. Further, the current Chair of the Ethnic Communities Council NSW Peter Doukas and former Chairs Ross Tzannes and Paul Nicolaou and Executive Members of the Council were in attendance to pay their respects.
The ecclesiastical service was officiated by Bishop Iakovos Miletoupolis, the Very Reverend Father Nektarios, Father Nicholas the Parish Priest for Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church and Father Sotiris from Earlwood Church.
Other community leaders in attendance included Amelia Katsogiannis, Head of St Spyridon College; Bill Kitharas, Vice President of the Hellenic Club of Sydney; former Vice President of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia Council, Michael Diamond; and Head Teacher of Bankstown Intensive English Centre, Dimitrios Kametopoulos.
The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW) is set to help facilitate crucial sessions ahead of the upcoming Local Government elections, providing Hellenic members of the community with essential information to increase their knowledge on them.
The sessions, organised by the GOCNSW Welfare Department, are being held in partnership with the Ethnic Communities’ Council of NSW and the NSW Electoral Commission as part of the ‘Vote Talk’ program aimed at getting information on the elections out to the community.
The GOCNSW is facilitating four free information workshops on the upcoming elections on 14 September, which will be delivered by Greek Bilingual educators Antonis Ampatzis and Poppy Gerakios.
The information sessions will be politically neutral as they delve deep into various topics on the elections.
These include providing a general overview, explaining how to enrol to vote, check or update your enrolment, the voting options available, what to expect from a polling place, how to fill your ballot paper correctly and working at an election.
The first session will be held at the Ashfield Council Activity Rooms 3 and 4 on Thursday 22 August (11am-12pm), with the other sessions organised for the following week.
Two of them will take place at the Greek Community Club in Lakemba on Monday 26 August (11am-12pm) and Friday 30 August (10.45-11.45am) while the other session will be held in between on Wednesday 28 August at Casula Community Centre (11am-12pm).
The workshops promise to deliver valuable information for the wider Greek community in NSW, contributing to the nationwide aim that all culturally and linguistically diverse know all the important information on the elections.
The event is free for all with registrations essential. To ensure your spot, please call the GOCNSW Welfare Department at (02) 9740 6022. For more information on programs, please visit www.goc.com.au.
Sydney Olympic secured a prestigious victory on Saturday, August 17 at the Jubilee Stadium against the Western Sydney Wanderers‘ youth team, winning 4-1 in the (penultimate) 29th round of the league.
Sydney Olympic started with a quick goal when, in the 4th minute, Teng Kuol skilfully received the ball in the box and opened the scoring.
In the 63rd minute, the Wanderers equalised to make it 1-1 with a goal from Hollingdale.
This goal spurred Sydney Olympic into action, leading them to score three more goals in 14 minutes.
In the 71st minute, Roy O’Donovan made it 2-1, and Oliver Puflett added two more goals in the 84th and 85th minutes to set the final score at 4-1.
South Melbourne FC have announced today the death of football champion Jimmy Armstrong.
Jimmy was a Championship Winner, member of South Melbourne FC’s Team of the Century, Hall of Fame inductee, and former Socceroo.
Jimmy’s legacy on the pitch is unparalleled having won championships and scoring over 100 goals in his time playing for South Melbourne FC.
“It was his kindness, passion, and love for the club off the field that truly set him apart. For over five decades, he has been the heart and soul of our club, touching the lives of so many,” South Melbourne FC said in a Facebook statement.
South Melbourne FC will be paying tribute to Jimmy this Sunday, August 25 at their Australia Cup match against Olympic FC.
“We are heartbroken… Rest in peace, Jimmy. You will forever be a part of the South Melbourne family,” the Club statement added.
NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo launched his new sneakers on August 16, honouring his Greek heritage and late father.
Despite this being the Greek Freak’s sixth signature sneaker, it is the first time his shoes have become available to the public.
The sought-after red and white “Roses” Freak 6 shoes are said to be inspired by Antetokounmpo’s late father, Charles, who tragically passed away after suffering a heart attack on September 29, 2017 at the age of 54.
The Greek Freak’s “Roses” is also available in Nike’s “Black/Volt” colourway.
Photo: Sneaker News.
The other “Olympic Origins” Freak 6 style is a kid’s sneaker that pays homage to his Greek roots.
The shoe is also meant to reference Giannis’ contribution to the 2024 Paris Olympics, NBA championship and his MVP award with its gold detailing.
Giannis has used low-top height in all of his five past releases, becoming a staple of the “Freak” design.
